Hannele Polku1, Tuija M Mikkola1,2, Jean-Pierre Gagné3,4, Merja Rantakokko1, Erja Portegijs1, Taina Rantanen1, Anne Viljanen1. 1. 1 Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland. 2. 2 Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland. 3. 3 École d'orthophonie et d'audiologie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada. 4. 4 Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Canada.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between perceived benefit from hearing aid (HA) use and life-space mobility among older adults. METHOD: Cross-sectional analysis of 76- to 91-year-old community-dwelling adults ( n = 702). Data on perceived hearing with and without a HA were obtained via postal questionnaire and data on life-space mobility (Life-Space Assessment, range = 0-120) via phone interview. RESULTS: Participants who perceived more benefit from HA use, had a better life-space mobility score ( M = 65, SD = 2.6) than participants who had less benefit from using a HA ( M = 55, SD = 3.2). Participants who benefitted more from HA use did not differ from those who did not have a HA ( M = 63, SD = 0.9) in their life-space mobility score. DISCUSSION: Perceived benefit from HA use is associated with higher life-space mobility among community-dwelling older adults. Future studies are needed to examine whether use of an appropriate HA promotes life-space mobility among those with difficulties in hearing.
OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between perceived benefit from hearing aid (HA) use and life-space mobility among older adults. METHOD: Cross-sectional analysis of 76- to 91-year-old community-dwelling adults ( n = 702). Data on perceived hearing with and without a HA were obtained via postal questionnaire and data on life-space mobility (Life-Space Assessment, range = 0-120) via phone interview. RESULTS:Participants who perceived more benefit from HA use, had a better life-space mobility score ( M = 65, SD = 2.6) than participants who had less benefit from using a HA ( M = 55, SD = 3.2). Participants who benefitted more from HA use did not differ from those who did not have a HA ( M = 63, SD = 0.9) in their life-space mobility score. DISCUSSION: Perceived benefit from HA use is associated with higher life-space mobility among community-dwelling older adults. Future studies are needed to examine whether use of an appropriate HA promotes life-space mobility among those with difficulties in hearing.
Entities:
Keywords:
aging; hearing; hearing aid; life-space; older people
Authors: Daniel A Pupo; Brent J Small; Jennifer A Deal; Nicole M Armstrong; Eleanor M Simonsick; Susan M Resnick; Frank R Lin; Luigi Ferrucci; Qu Tian Journal: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci Date: 2022-10-06 Impact factor: 6.591